Director of Regulatory Affairs

Application close date:

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight! 

As part of a small, passionate and accomplished team of experts in Washington DC, you will lead Blue Origin's Regulatory Affairs function, engaging strategically with government stakeholders at the highest levels — including Members of Congress, Administration officials, White House staff, and executive agency leadership. This role provides executive-level leadership for Blue Origin's regulatory affairs strategy, shaping regulatory and legislative policy through deep relationships with congressional committees, the FAA, and other executive branch agencies.

This role requires comprehensive understanding of Blue Origin's regulatory interests through direct engagement with technical teams across every business unit, including the technical and legal interpretation of statute and resulting regulations. As a recognized internal and external subject matter expert, you will own and execute a holistic regulatory strategy encompassing legislative action, federal rulemaking leadership, advisory committee representation, and industry coalition building to advance Blue Origin's long-term business interests.

Government Relations leadership includes directing senior-level relationships with lawmakers and executive agency staff, guiding advocacy strategy on Capitol Hill, overseeing policy-related projects, managing federal and state agency interactions, and providing strategic direction to external consultants and Blue Origin partners.

• Own and execute a comprehensive advocacy strategy centered on regulatory frameworks that support safety, technological innovation, and open competition in the marketplace
• Serve as Blue Origin's primary subject matter expert and authoritative representative in commercial space regulatory policy, both internally and across the industry
• Develop and maintain deep expertise in existing and emerging policy matters impacting commercial space launch, in-space, and lunar activities, including technical and legal interpretation of relevant statute and regulations
• Proactively monitor Business Unit compliance efforts (e.g., launch licensing) to ensure regulatory roadblocks are identified early and well understood by policymakers
• Build and maintain senior-level relationships with multiple congressional committees (CST, SST, T&I, E&C) to advance awareness of Blue Origin's programs and regulatory priorities
• Influence authorization and appropriations legislation, including the budget process, in alignment with long-term advocacy strategy
• Build and maintain relationships with Administration and agency personnel with commercial space policy oversight, serving as a trusted resource for agency policy teams on industry perspectives
• Lead company participation in rulemaking activities (e.g., federal register actions, advisory committee efforts), coordinating inputs from government sales, legal, communications, and/or program teams
• Represent Blue Origin in industry-wide committees and rulemaking bodies (e.g., FAA Space Aviation Rulemaking Committees), leading deliberations to shape recommendations in alignment with Blue Origin's priorities
• Build coalitions between Blue Origin and peer companies for overlapping policy priorities during agency rulemaking or legislative efforts
• Serve in leadership roles within key industry associations to track and advance Blue Origin's holistic policy priorities
• Leverage expertise and industry relationships to provide authoritative guidance to business unit teams facing regulatory challenges
• Maintain awareness of and provide strategic support for international, civil, and national security portfolios as appropriate
• Provide strategic counsel to executive leadership on regulatory matters with significant long-term business impact

Required:

• Bachelors degree
• 7+ years of congressional experience or experience with technical regulatory frameworks
• Hands-on experience interpreting relevant statute and regulations
• Strong working knowledge of the U.S. federal policy and rulemaking process, including authorization, appropriations, and budget development
• Track record of building and engaging senior-level relationships with federal elected officials, Administration officials, White House staff, executive agencies, and industry stakeholders
• Ability to independently develop and drive regulatory and legislative strategy from concept through execution
• Established reputation as a go-to resource for commercial space regulatory policy, both within an organization and across the industry
• Comfortable leading responses to fast-moving or novel issues where organizational positions haven't yet been defined
• Clear and compelling communicator — both written and verbal — in technically complex environments
• Strong attention to detail

Desired:

• Experience working with suppliers, trade associations, and/or industry coalitions at a leadership level, as well as on cross-functional business teams
• Experience with 14 CFR Part 400 regulations and/or 47 CFR Part 25/26 regulations
• Experience leading or participating in Rulemaking Committees or similar federal advisory bodies

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.